Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Xagave(pronounced za-gah-vay) ,an organically grown premium blend of nectars derived from Agave Tequiliana (Blue Agave) and Agave Salmiana (White Agave) plants ,is an answer to all the blood sugar woes.It has low glycemic index(30),that will not raise the blood sugar levels(also reduces risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes) unlike the sugar.Plus its sweeter than sugar that helps save calories ,as less is sufficient to sweeten.What more,its delicious and works well in everyday cooking ,has no after taste like some sugar substitutes.That's not all,its a good source of calcium ,iron,vitamins,minerals and inulin(a probiotic fiber essential for healthy immune system and even shown to reduce the risk of cancers).All these convincing reasons make Xagave a satisfying sugar substitute ,that gives you the best of both ,taste and health.Learn more about the Xagave health benefitsThe founder of Xagave,Stephen Richards and his Cookbook "Delicious Meets Nutritious"Stephen Richards is a full-time business owner, husband and father and a part-time chef and health nut that loves to eat. He struggles with his weight like 67% of Americans. He comes from a family with a long history of diabetes and has always been concerned about his health, particularly as he ages. A couple of years ago, he was introduced to agave nectar and began to research it. He ultimately flew to the region in Mexico where it is grown and spent time with the growers and processors, learning about the product and its benefits. He engaged medical doctors to study the claims being made and he explored hundreds of recipes on his own. After several years, he developed Xagave, a blend of agave from several agave plants that incorporates the best taste, texture and health benefits that this wonderful plant has to offer.

About 1/2 to 2/3 cup of Xagave is replaced for each cup of sugar needed.Refer to the Sugar Exchange Table for the quantity of Xagave versus sugar and the calorie comparison.Amazingly the Xagave also acts as a natural preservative with its ability to absorb moisture hence increasing the storage life.Completely soluble in hot or cold water, Xagave worked perfectly in all kinds of drinks,dressings and sauces.It also promotes rising in whole grain cooking resulting in light fluffy texture to the baked goods.Also note xagave will cook faster and at a lower temperature.Thanks to the representative of Xagave,I was offered a sample of this wonderful product along with the cookbook.Following are few of the delicious and easy recipes from the cookbook.

Classic Cranberry Sauce made with Agave(click for recipe)An awesome tangy sweet side with turkey or chicken,this fresh homemade cranberry sauce is far better than the canned ones usually loaded with sugar.See other variations of the sauce with oranges ,lemons and pomegranates.

Citrus Cranberry Walnut Quick BreadI use fresh cranberries that not only add the color but also the nice tang to the bread and the Xagave sweetens superbly.Recipes from Delicious Meets NutritiousIngredients2 cups whole wheat flour(fine ground)1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 cup canola oil1/2 cup Xagave(replacement for 1 cup of sugar)1 teaspoon grated orange or lemon peel(zest)3/4 cup orange juice or lemon juice1 Organic egg1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries,coarsely chopped3/4 cup walnuts,chopped(or use any other nuts desired)MethodHeat Oven to 325F.Grease bottom of a 9x5 or 8x4 inch loaf pan.In large bowl,combine first 4 ingredients(flour,baking powder,salt and soda).Whisk the eggs in a another mixing bowl,add the oil,Xagave,zest and juice.Mix this wet mixture gradually in to the flour mixture until well combined.Pour in the greased pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.Cool for 15-20 minutes before getting out of the pan and slicing.

MethodPut all the wet ingredients in to a blender and blend.Add dry ingredient and blend until just slightly lumpy (about 30 seconds).Pour batter on to griddle about 1/4cup at a time when hot and cook until bubble form and edges dry.turn and cook on other side.

For triple berry topping

Ingredients4 cups fresh or frozen berries1 cup water1/2 cup Xagave2 tablespoon corn starch.MethodPut berries and Xagave in a pot and bring to a boil.Reduce heat to simmer.Mix corn starch in 2 tablespoon water and stir until all lumps are gone.Pour corn starch mix in to berry mix while stirring slowly.Stir until topping thickens(1-2 minutes) and begins to bubble.Serve hot over pancakes and waffles.

I use skimmed milk for this quick and nutritious shake with anti-oxidant rich unsweetened cocoa.The Chocolate Agave Syrup also made with unsweetened cocoa makes this even more chocolicious.The syrup is also great for topping on any fresh fruit to add an extra touch of chocolate flavor.

Mouthwtering Yasmeen.esp the waffle,I do not have a waffle iron but pancakes will do now.Love the protein shake,Love the fresh cranberry bread as well.Plainly speaking loved the entire post.lipsmacking

Hi Yasmeen, thanks for all the wonderful information about Xagave nectar...I was a little bit concerned about using this...you have cleared all my doubts...all the recipes look awesome with lovely pictures :)

Yasmeen,Your cranberry sauce is awesome and the photos just spectacular!!! Keep up the good work!PS: Sahale Snacks lines of nut blens and glazed nuts are available in conventional, natural and specialty grocers, as well as cafes,and hotels. A store locator is available on www.sahalesnacks.com.

I never tried the Xagave before but I have see it used a lot by so many blogger.will try to find it in health food store.Quick Bread & pancakes\waffles recipes are so tempting ;) I really want a slice of that bread with milk right now :)

Yasmeen

Peace and Blessings!. This blog is all about discovering natures best food. Preparing food using the best in nature. If you haven't been eating right then make changes in your diet using nature's best food. Spend an extra buck and travel a extra mile to find the nature's best ingredients. You'll love this change you made. Let the healthy journey begin....learn more about me